Once a day verapamil in essential hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Essential hypertension is a widespread cardiovascular condition requiring effective management.
• New drug formulations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the pharmacodynamics and therapeutic effects of a novel slow-release 240 mg verapamil formulation.
• To assess the efficacy and tolerability of once-daily verapamil in patients with essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Pharmacodynamic and therapeutic studies were conducted in 73 patients with essential hypertension (WHO I-II, diastolic BP ≥ 100 mm Hg).
• Patients received chronic administration of slow-release 240 mg verapamil (one or two tablets daily).
• Plasma verapamil and norverapamil concentrations were monitored, alongside 24-hour blood pressure control.

Main Results:

• Slow-release verapamil achieved trough plasma levels > 40 ng/mL in 14/16 patients, ensuring good 24-hour blood pressure control.
• Monotherapy was well-tolerated, with 46/57 patients achieving target diastolic blood pressure (≤ 95 mm Hg).
• No correlation was found between plasma drug concentrations and blood pressure response; efficacy was noted in older patients and those with specific baseline characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Once-daily slow-release 240 mg verapamil is a simple and effective monotherapy for essential hypertension.
• The formulation demonstrates good tolerability and sustained 24-hour blood pressure control.
• Optimal responses were observed in specific patient subgroups, suggesting personalized treatment potential.